If you ever find yourself driving through the flat, sprawling plains of Brookings, South Dakota, on a crisp October afternoon, something feels different. The air gets thicker. The sky seems bluer. Then, you see it. Rising out of the prairie like a modern-day coliseum is Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. It isn't just a place where people play ball. Honestly, it’s a $65 million statement of intent.
When South Dakota State University (SDSU) decided to move on from the aging Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, they didn't just want a new building. They wanted to change the conversation. For decades, the Jacks were the "scrappy" team from the north. But since 2016, this stadium has turned them into a powerhouse that the rest of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) genuinely fears.
The House that Dana (and Denny) Built
Most people see the name on the side of the building and assume it's just another corporate sponsorship. Not quite. Dana Dykhouse isn't some distant CEO; he was a defensive lineman for the Jackrabbits back in the 1970s. He knows what it’s like to play in the South Dakota wind.
The funding story is actually pretty wild. In 2013, philanthropist T. Denny Sanford walked into Dykhouse’s office and basically asked if he had any projects he wanted to finish. Dykhouse didn't hesitate. Together, they put up a lead gift of $12.5 million. Sanford actually gave $10 million of that, but he insisted the stadium be named after his friend Dana.
Construction was a phased-in beast. They literally built the new stands while the old stadium was still being used, which led to some awkward Saturday afternoons for fans. By the time it fully opened in 2016 against Drake, the capacity had jumped from about 11,000 to nearly 20,000.
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Why the Design Matters
Architecturally, the stadium is a three-sided bowl. Why only three sides? It’s practical. The open southwest corner helps with air circulation, but more importantly, the layout focuses all the noise toward the field. When 19,000 people start screaming during a "Dakota Marker" game against North Dakota State, it sounds like 50,000.
- Capacity: 19,340 (though they've squeezed in 19,477 for the NDSU rivalry).
- Surface: A high-tech AstroTurf 3D3 system that uses soy-based materials—a nice nod to South Dakota’s agricultural roots.
- The Screen: Daktronics (which is headquartered right there in Brookings) installed a 3,100-square-foot LED video board. It’s massive.
The Game Day Vibe is Different Here
If you've never been to a game at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, you're missing out on one of the best atmospheres in college sports. People start tailgating in the "Orange Lot" hours before kickoff. You’ll see blue and yellow everywhere. It’s a community event, but with a chip on its shoulder.
The student section, located in the south end zone, is notoriously rowdy. They call it the "Jacks Side." On August 31, 2017, they set a student attendance record with 4,251 students. That’s a huge chunk of the university's population. When the "Pride of the Dakotas" marching band strikes up, the whole place vibrates.
Premium Seating for the Rest of Us
One of the biggest shifts from the old stadium to the new one was the luxury.
The west tower is where the "big money" sits, but it adds a level of professionalism that helped SDSU recruit better. We're talking 29 luxury suites and 36 loge boxes.
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But here’s the cool part: the "Club 71" area. It offers indoor bar and lounge seating, which is a literal lifesaver when the South Dakota November weather decides to turn into a frozen tundra. You can watch the game through floor-to-ceiling glass while holding a warm drink. It’s a far cry from the splintery wooden bleachers of the mid-20th century.
Shattering Attendance Records
Success breeds crowds. Since the Jackrabbits started winning national titles (2022, 2023), the stadium has been bursting at the seams. In October 2025, they hit a record attendance of 19,477 during a game against North Dakota State.
Think about that.
That is nearly double the population of some small towns in the state. Even the 2019 visit from ESPN’s College GameDay proved the venue was ready for the national spotlight. Cell phone data showed over 35,000 unique visitors on campus that day. It was the moment everyone realized Brookings wasn't just a stop on the map; it was a destination.
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What Most People Miss
There's a specific detail about the turf that usually gets ignored. Because SDSU is a land-grant institution, they used a soy-based polyol in the turf's backing. It's a small detail, but it links the high-tech stadium directly to the farmers who sit in the stands. It’s a "full circle" moment for the local economy.
Also, the stadium isn't just for football. It hosts concerts—like the massive "Jacks Bash" with Luke Bryan—and high school playoff games. It has become the "state's stadium" in many ways, rivaling the facilities you’d see at much larger FBS schools.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to see the Jacks, don't just show up at kickoff. You'll regret it.
- Arrive Early for Tailgating: The atmosphere in the parking lots is half the fun. Bring some food to share, and you'll make friends in five minutes.
- Visit Jackrabbit Central: There’s a store at the southwest corner of the stadium. They carry exclusive gear you can’t get online or at the campus bookstore.
- Check the Weather: It’s South Dakota. It might be 70 degrees at noon and 30 degrees by the fourth quarter. Layers are your best friend.
- The "Alcohol-Free" Zones: If you're bringing kids and want a quieter experience, head for Sections 123 or 207. These are designated dry areas.
- Parking Strategy: Unless you have a donor pass, look for the peripheral lots. The walk is easy, and you’ll avoid the worst of the post-game gridlock.
Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium fundamentally changed what it means to be a Jackrabbit. It took a program that was "good for the region" and made it "elite for the nation." Whether you're there for the Dakota Marker or just a random non-conference game, the energy is undeniable. It's loud, it's proud, and it's exactly what South Dakota sports needed.